A rabbit that refuses to eat is a situation that can panic any pet owner.
It's a cause for concern and a situation that requires immediate consultation.
Our on-call vets will explain why your rabbit may suddenly refuse to eat, the potential health problems involved and what to do to manage this urgent situation.
Rabbits are known for their specific eating habits. They consume a considerable amount of food, mainly because their usual diet is relatively low in energy. To compensate, they need to eat more. Often, a rabbit's diet includes a significant amount of hay and other low-energy foods, such as green vegetables and pellets.
The real difficulty lies in detecting whether your rabbit is stopping eating or eating less. Because they eat large quantities of hay, it's difficult to determine exactly how much they've eaten. On the other hand, it's easier to notice if your rabbit is abandoning other types of food, such as pellets or green vegetables.
Pet owners can track their rabbit's eating habits by observing the production of faeces. Under normal conditions, a rabbit will produce large quantities of aspheric faeces. If your rabbit starts to produce less faeces, or if these become smaller or drier, this may be a sign that digestion is slowing down. You need to be concerned.
The situation can become critical if your rabbit stops producing faeces altogether, or if it stops eating for more than 24 hours. This is a life-threatening emergency, indicating a potentially serious problem with your rabbit's digestive system.
Rabbits have a unique digestive system. The long-fibre content of their diet allows them to maintain a fairly rapid transit. When this transit slows down or stops, it can lead to an overpopulation of bacteria in the stomach or intestines. These bacteria produce gas that causes the rabbit's stomach, caecum or intestines to expand. This digestive distension can be extremely painful for the rabbit.
This situation can quickly develop into a vicious circle and get worse. The discomfort discourages the rabbit from eating, leading to increased gas production and increased pain.
If the problem is not treated quickly, harmful bacteria can invade and infect the rabbit's intestines, leading to a potentially fatal infection.
Rabbits can lose their appetite for a variety of reasons. Intense stress, pain or illness can lead to a reduction in food intake. For example, dental malocclusion problems can lead to the formation of dental points. These points rub and tear the inside wall of the cheek, causing severe pain in the rabbit's mouth. The rabbit then stops eating hay and possibly other foods.
Other health problems causing pain, such as urinary stones, can also cause a rabbit to refuse to eat. So, as you will have realised, refusal to eat for more than 24 hours is a reason for urgent consultation in rabbits. You must contact the vet, whatever the day or time.
If your rabbit isn't eating, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. A physical examination may reveal any potential issues that require immediate attention, such as dental problems or signs of GI stasis. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests like bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasound may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
While waiting for your vet appointment, there are steps you can take to help support your rabbit's recovery. If your bunny is dehydrated, offering fresh water or small amounts of wet vegetables can encourage drinking. Feeding a mix of hay and soft foods like mashed pellets or baby food may also entice your rabbit to eat. Additionally, keeping your rabbit comfortable and warm can aid in their recovery process.